Picture Post

And as quickly as it came, we are already inching the end of 2012's first quarter.

This year starting off quite exciting on the personal and work front. At work, we have just expanded to several new countries and so far, I have had the opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka (once) and Bangkok (twice).

 The view from our hotel room at Hilton Colombo

Sri Lankan Crab!

 Lovers on the beach. Dating under the umbrellas.

Floating Temple

The inaugural event in Sri Lanka.

Earlier this year as well, together with 3 of my girlfriends, we headed for our once in 5 years girlie trip. This time, we flew to Bali for a 4d3n R&R.

Where we stayed: Sahaja and Sawah Villa

Looking at all these pictures again makes me want to go for another holiday. Speaking of which, I still have not uploaded pictures from my trip to London, Paris and Melbourne. That'll have to be another day lest I get holiday withdrawal symptoms all over again. 

Be still, my beating heart

I have one weakness. One that has caused quite a few stirs in my relationship. It's so bad that sometimes all I want to do is to have it constantly and not let it end. Throw a mental fit when it does not go on and on. 

My weakness my friends, is my Judith McNaught novels. 4 favourite novels of hers to be exact. Paradise, Perfect, Something Wonderful and the classic, Whitney My Love.

The writing, the story line, the witty banters, and most importantly, the romance and chivalry. Oh. My. God. I want to live in her novels! One thing I love about her novels is that her heroines are never the weak, 'oh help me I'm lost', swooning women you read in other romance novels or in Disney movies. They are always strong, witty, beautiful and gets their happy ending. Sort of like a Mulan movie in words. 

I will be in MY zone when I read her novels, mentally picture the scenes vividly and feel those emotions flowing through the pages. 

And whenever I am reading on the of four novels and am in one of my PMS-y moods and am itching for a fight, I would frown at the bf and say "why can't you be like him?". The bf, who is used to my nonsensical outbursts will simply say, "one day, I'm going to BURN your books."

Oookay.. 

But honestly, I do read and love other more serious books as well, like Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides, Anne Frank, The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht, Princess by Jean Sasson, Harry Potter (haha), etc. But nothing gets to me as much as McNaught. 

I remember after I read my first JM book last year, I was on a business trip with a colleague and I look to her still with my dreamy eyes and said "Now I get why she is so famous."

Okay, I really thought I needed to write this down because I've not been this obsessed about an author since JK Rowling. Although I am probably 20 years too late to catch the bandwagon but I'm still a fan no less. 

You have my heart Matt Farrell and Jordan Townsende. Shh, don't tell that to my boyfriend. 

Rolling in the Deep with Half past 6

Although I have 10 years experience performing on stage, in various countries, I have never had the guts to sing covers out of the karaoke room. Fear of criticism, fear of judgmental comments, fear in general.

Singing in front of the Buddhist community is a bit easier, because I am singing original songs, so if I stumble or make any mistakes, people won't notice as much, or will be quicker to pat you on the back and say, "not to worry, well done!".

And all these, made stepping out of my comfort zones so much harder. That is why, one of my resolutions for this year, is to do exactly that. Pick up the guts and go perform 'commercially'.

After many empty talks and pushes, I finally did it!

Together with my dearest friend, PX and 2 new friends Sheryl and Jason, we formed 'Half Past 6' and our first live performance was last week at the Doppel Cafe, Annexe Central Market.

We did 3 main songs (all on youtube) and 3 more impromptu ones to fill up time. Here's one of the songs that I solo'ed on.

Enjoy :)

Another year, another opportunity

Good bye 2011, you have been kind to us.

Hello 2012, let's keep the kindness and opportunities on a roll shall we?

Love,

Sue Lynn

Quarter and Counting

"Age isn't important, unless you're cheese."

Yes, the time has finally come when I have hit a milestone in this life of mine. In a few short years, I have gone from a wide-eyed curious 18 year old thinking about how life would turn out when she grows up, to a round-faced quarter of a century young girl, still thinking about how life would turn out when she grows up.

One year ago, I was going through some things in life with a person who is very dear to me. Things at that time looked bleak, and the future that I had foreseen was shaken up unexpectedly.

My 24th was all about recovery and rediscovering.

The strength and determination I have witnessed that year certainly had a profound effect on me. And it taught me about being prepared for the worst, to always have a backup plan. Mind you, the experience did not bring out the pessimist in me, but let's just say that I know what happens when you are caught off guard and you are left to figure ways to climb out of the ditch without a rope.

I know for a fact now that change is always eminent in every stage of my life, no matter how hard I try to hold on to it. But hey, what's a little change compared to some advancements?

So now I am at the dawn of my 25th, and so far things are slowly progressing. I have been very lucky, with the help of many angels. Many times, I questioned "how could we have we gone through that?", and it further solidifies that help is indeed all around when you open your mind and heart to it.

I don't take the time to count my blessings as often as I should, and hitting this milestone and inching out of my 'early' twenties has definitely made me sit up and take note of my life before another 25 years pass me by again.

Indeed, there are many that I am thankful for:
1. Supporting family, who has never waiver in their love and understanding of me - even when I was a rebellious teenager/young adult defying them and breaking their hearts over and over again. They have always stood by me and waited for me to wisened up in my own time, of course with the help of their rules, curfews and scoldings. ;) I know I have passed that worrying stage in their eyes when this weekend, as I was going out of the house to celebrate my birthday with a bunch of friends, I went to say bye to my dad, and he looked up at me, and said
"Going out ah?"
"Ya, to a club."
"Okay, have fun!" And then he smiles..

THAT has not happened to me before okay. It was just a few years ago that dad nagged me for taking drunken pictures with unruly boys because it will ruin my image and the prospect of losing out on a boy I really liked next time. <3

2. A wonderful person whom I call my boyfriend. For the first time, I feel truly comfortable in my skin with a boyfriend. I guess this is what they call, growing up and growing into your own with the right person. There are no words that could describe what you are to me and how you have given me the space to grow into the person I want to be while never failing in your support and love. In addition to that, in the past 2 and a half years, you have not only managed to make me fall in love with you over and over again, but you made my family fall in love with you as well. *hmph. teacher's pet*

3. My group of friends whom I can clearly call my soulmates and whom I can see us growing old together many many more years to come. You know they say, that a person truly only has a handful of close friends in their life? These girls are my handful. We have been through so many things together, some big some small.. fights, adolescent cattiness, and lots more (boy were there lots of drama) but all of us have played a part in our growing up individually and as a whole.

4. A new house that I can call home. Long story short, we bought one house previously which was on the edge of crumbling down, not knowing what to do with it since the whole house requires medical assistance and a plastic surgeon (a very expensive one) that was about to bankrupt us. So we sold that, and got another, a new house that does not require extensive works, only minor make ups, and after 1 year of making sure it is livable, it is finally so this weekend. :) Now, all we need is to find a time where we can hibernate there for at least 24 hours to slowly settle ourselves in in this new nest and have people over for a partay! I still have not found that shoe cupboard.

5. Work oh work. Even though I have somewhat of a love-hate relationship with my work, I am thankful that I have a job in this economy, that not only allows me to grow professionally and individually, but takes me to places which I might not have gone myself otherwise. Most of all, what is work when you have good partners in crime? My colleagues are really something. I can see how much we have grown from when we first set foot in this organisation, to our dynamic today - the exuberance for life and the passion for achieving things together (not work related haha). Sometimes when work gets too tough and I feel like giving up, these people are who keeps me grounded, to motivate me again, to push me to find out for myself what more can we do with the organisation.

This post is getting longer than I had expected. When I was mentally penning the points, I did not have that much words in my mind. But I suppose my brain is in my fingers. I'm sorry if you are getting tired! The next paragraph is the last!

While I may not have agreed with some of my choices made leading up to this year; I dont regret them. For as cliche as it sounds, these choices moulded me into becoming who I am today. It also led me to experience what I am experiencing now, with the people around me. Even though I may still be the wide-eyed 18 year old, curious to find out more about what life has in store for me tomorrow, I am no longer as naive to believe that fairy tale endings just happen without hard work and planning.

Having said that, I think it is about time for me to come out of my comfort zone and do something I had always wanted to do, but never had the guts to. Something I'll reveal once it has come to fruition.

But if I dont, please don't hold it against me. There's always the next 25 years right? ;)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! 

(Ps: Sorry I lied, that wasn't the last paragraph!)

Sagittarius and Scorpio - The Research

I found the below in my email’s draft folder dated way back in 2009. I think I kept it there when we first started going out to serve as a refresher whenever we get too stressed up with each other. It’s always nice to read something like this that could reignite whatever you have felt in 2009. :) 

Sagittarius and Scorpio

If a Scorpio and a Sagittarius want to make a love match, they should be warned to slow down, take their time getting to know one another on a deep, significant level or else they run the risk of getting way ahead of themselves. This relationship could be over before either partner even realizes it's started if they're not careful! Their patience will be very richly rewarded. Sagittarius thrives on change, on the new and the exciting and on the power of positive thought. Scorpio just wants to get closer and strengthen emotional ties. Early in the relationship, Sagittarius could feel hemmed in by Scorpio's rapt attention and high expectations for love. If Scorpio can control their emotions, these two are in for satisfaction and excitement.

Both Scorpio and Sagittarius see each day as an adventure (or in Scorpio's case, a compelling mystery) and as an endless opportunity to explore, to probe, to learn. Shared escapades bring them closer. While Sagittarius may get fed up with Scorpio's stubbornness and inflexibility, Scorpio could be thinking their Sagittarius mate is just a little too hotheaded. They'll enjoy learning together, and travel could be very beneficial for this pair. Their relationship is always on the go!

Pluto and Mars rule Scorpio, and Mars and Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter. Mars is the God of War, opening the door for Scorpio's determined, courageous character. Mars, when combined with Pluto, represents rebirth and renewal. Jupiter focuses on philosophy, higher learning, expansion, optimism, luck and travel. These planetary attributes -- of growth, expansion and masculine energy -- combine to create a sustainable relationship of mutual admiration.

Scorpio is a Water Sign, and Sagittarius is a Fire Sign. Sagittarius is the spontaneous partner, heading in the direction their whim leads them, while Scorpio's motives are more subdued, less easy to read. Even if they run into misunderstandings or misinterpretations of each other's motivations, crisis can be averted. If these love mates agree that their relationship is significant, their devotion and affection will see them through.

Scorpio is a Fixed Sign, and Sagittarius is a Mutable Sign. Both of these love mates can multitask like pros, keeping each other's interests at heart, juggling birthdays and special dates with family obligations, but it really takes Scorpio's follow-through to get anything finished in this pair. Sagittarius gets the urge to jump around from project to project, so Scorpio's stick-to-it-tivness comes in handy. Lucky for Scorp partners, Sagittarius notices all the work their mates put in -- and they definitely show their appreciation when they know it's needed. Scorpio can be stubborn, exacting and demanding, so this mate needs to give their Sagittarius love their personal space and time for their own interests. Scorpio leads Sagittarius' ideas fruition, even if Sagittarius has lost interest and moved on. So they're not all work and no play, Sagittarius comes through with their knack for flexibility, a positive quality that sometimes wins out over resolute determination.

What's the best thing about the Scorpio-Sagittarius relationship? The security and flexibility they can give one another. Once they open up to one another and to appreciate their different philosophies in love and in life, these two have potential for steamy relations, deep connections and heartfelt respect. As long as they communicate and celebrate their differences, theirs will be a passionate relationship.

******

Definitely something worth looking back upon once in a while and reflect upon. 

******

Just the other day, I had a strong feeling that August will be an exciting month. Probably it was influenced by this month's travel plans, but either way, the feeling came, and it came strong. I hope this feeling stays through and I have not jinxed it by saying it out loud. 

Month number 8

First day of August! Where did the earlier half of my year go? What a quick half a year it was before I opened this page and poise my fingers to create this post. A touch of what had happened in the past 8 months since my previous post:

1.      - My girl YLY had her beautiful wedding ceremony in Phuket. The whole group, boys and girls packed our bags and gears and celebrated their union by the Andaman sea.

2.      - Sold the first house, and bought another in the span of 2 months. Now we are in the final stages of minor renovations before our things can slowly trickle in to fill up the spaces. The only thing I’m looking for now that is proving to be a major hurdle is a nice, large shoe cupboard.

3.      - My girl YLL (extra L, one less Y than the above friend), recently got herself engaged!! What’s more exciting was the fact that we were all involved / there when it happened! Never would I have thought that GTHY was as romantic as he is. Super excited that we have another wedding to look forward to! J

4.      - Since the last post, I’ve clocked in at – Bali, Langkawi, Phuket, Singapore (twice), Hong Kong (twice).  

Another exciting travel plan coming up end of this month where the fam, sans bro and grandma will be heading to London for a 10 days break. Although my cousins have stayed at my house countless of times since our younger days whenever they are in the country, this will be the first time that sis and I will be returning the favor.

I'm sounding a little choppy at the moment, give me some time before I get back into the groove of writing again.

In the meantime, hang tight and hopefully another post will be up soon. :) 

A New Year, A New Beginning

How time flies. My last post was a couple of centuries ago and now we're already inching towards a new year. It's that time of the year again when everyone reminisces on how fruitful/unfruitful, exciting/unexciting, awesome/unawesome year 2010 was and to think and come up with new resolutions for 2011.

For the most part, my 2010 has dollar signs or Ringgit notes pasted on it, not in a good way though. So many things were happening that it just felt like it was taking forever for this year to end.

Even though there wasn't much to shout about, the changes that 2010 brought to us was very much valuable in terms of teaching us that life isn't the bed of roses that we were brought up to believe with disney movies. It made us aware of how easily something / someone can be taken away from us, without notice and without justification.

But what is a little rainstorm, without rainbows in the end? It has been only the first couple of days of 2011, and already we are forseeing quite a bit of good news coming our way.

Nothing much that can be shared at this moment, since I am a firm believer of not-sharing something before it is confirmed for fear of jinxing it. What I can say is this, if all goes according to plan, our troubles and woes from 2010 will not only be solved, we would be living our 1st dream. :)

I say first because who knows, as we grow older, our dreams grow bigger and better than our current ones.

So yeah, first week of 2011 and here's to wishing and hoping for my loved ones and myself a wonderful, smooth-smailing and exciting year filled with lots of love, happiness and joy all around.

Who says the bottom is the end? It's only the begining of our way up.

Bitten by the travel bug, again.

Has it been 2 months of silence already?

These two months have been a whirlwind of activities. I've packed, unpacked, hung out in airports, sat and slept in planes, checked into various hotels - the bad and the good, ate like a pig on heat, met many interesting characters, drank the nicest 'butter' beer in Delhi, sent flowers to a guy for the first time in my life and visited PLR for the 2nd time for the first R&R this year.

My schedule has been packed to the brim so much so that whenever I have some spare time, I spend it vegetating in front of the TV. And that is by far my most favorite past time. Right above shopping.

Here's a little recap on my footsteps:
4 - 7 Oct : Bangkok
18 Oct : Chennai
19 Oct : Hyderabad - Mumbai
20 - 23 Oct : Mumbai
23 - 28 Oct : Delhi
28 Oct : Delhi to KL (5am)
28 Oct : KL (8am) to SG
30 Oct : SG to KL
3 - 5 Nov : Pangkor Laut

And next up for this month:
10 - 13 Nov : Jakarta
17 - 21 Nov: Delhi
22 - 25 Nov: Shanghai

I'm exhausted. Although I complain about this job a fair bit because to be honest, there are perks and there are downsides to this job as well. But I know that I will not get this opportunity elsewhere. At least, not at this point of time.

Sigh, I'm in such a limbo but am at the moment pacified by the traveling.

Opportunities are far and wide everywhere. Am I looking at the greenest tree?

What is good will thrive indeed

It has been awhile since I last updated. I must admit, I had gotten complacent in just storing whatever thoughts and feelings I had to the back of my mind without the extra effort of opening my laptop and typing it down. It was so much simpler just mentally typing it.

Quite a lot has happened in the past month. Events that woke me up and make me realize the depths of humanity and the extent people will go just to bring you down. It doesn't matter if it hurts you, your family, your entire livelihood. Some people have no qualms of moving mountains and oceans just to make sure you are hurt. Not just an inch. They want you a thousand miles below and the deeper the better.

So much so that everything seems trivial compared to this.

But of course, this isn't the worst. It is merely a molehill of a bump compared to what people in Pakistan, Ladakh, the families of 8 HK victims, the future of Malaysia, etc are facing. 

This predicament currently faced will eventually go away. Like all problems will.

I just hope that when it does, all the good will prevail.